TEMPORARY rules which meant residents across Colchester could put out an extra black bag of waste will end this month.

Colchester Council introduced the measures earlier this year to help people dispose of their rubbish during lockdown.

It led to a spike in the amount of black bag waste which was collected.

Between April, when the additional black bag allowance was introduced, and July an estimated 9,346 tonnes of refuse in black sacks has been collected.

This was 26 per cent more than during the same four months last year.

As a result of lockdown restrictions easing, the council is reintroducing its limit of three black bags per household from week beginning August 17.

It is hoped it will also encourage residents to recycle more of their waste and reduce the pressure on the council’s waste and recycling crews.

Martin Goss, the council’s waste boss, said: “These have been exceptional times and providing the additional ability for residents to put out an extra black bag with their collections has helped people during this period as we all had limited opportunity to leave our homes.

“However, I feel now is the right time to return to the normal limits we have for the numbers of black sacks people can put out – especially as lockdown and shielding restrictions are being eased and the civic amenity sites have reopened.

“This will not only encourage people to return to their recycling good habits but protect our crews from potential injuries from the increasing number of tonnes they are collecting daily.

“I would like to pay tribute to all of our crews who have gone above and beyond during this time. I would also like to thank our residents for their patience as we sought to maintain this key service while also protecting our staff.”